Israeli security cabinet green lights widened offensive in Gaza
The Israeli security cabinet has given the green light to a plan to widen its offensive in Gaza on Hamas, in which the territory will reportedly be seized, the BBC reported on May 5th.
The military of Israel has called up tens of thousands of reservists in the run-up to the accelerated military activity. The military has said it is ramping up pressure in a bid to get the Israeli hostages freed and to prevail over Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the cabinet had chosen a “forceful operation” to eradicate Hamas and save the hostages. He stated that Israel will move Gaza’s 2.1 million population in order “to protect it.” He omitted specifying how much territory the troops would seize but emphasized that “they will not enter and come out.”
Additionally, the cabinet endorsed a plan, in principle, to distribute aid via private firms. This move would aim to lift a two-month blockade causing acute food shortages.
Reportedly, the plan will come into effect following US President Donald Trump’s trip to the region, set to take place next week.
Reporters questioned President Donald Trump about Israel’s expanded assault strategy. He restated a promise to help get necessary humanitarian aid to Palestinians there.
The aid blockade recently reached 50 days, Middle East Eye via Wafa news agency reported on April 22nd. It cut off vital supplies according to UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. The UN also determined that evacuation orders or inaccessibility mark nearly 70% of Gaza.
Netanyahu “continues to promote” a plan backed by US President Donald Trump. This proposal supports Gazans so-called voluntarily leaving to nearby nations like Egypt or Jordan, according to France 24 and AFP on May 5th. The official source stated the plan involved “powerful strikes against Hamas,” but gave no further details.
The UK, on the other hand, stated it “does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.” Previously, the EU called for moderation, by expressing worry about “further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population.”
BBC, France 24 and AFP, Middle East Eye via Wafa
